North Parramatta

An assessment of population growth drivers in North Parramatta reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of North Parramatta is around 12,713. This figure represents an increase of 649 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,064. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses, shows this growth. This results in a density ratio of 2,412 persons per square kilometer, placing North Parramatta in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 5.4% since the Census is within 1.7 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving North Parramatta's growth.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, North Parramatta is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 3,812 persons to reach a total of 2041 based on current trends. This reflects an overall increase of 30.0% over the 16-year period from 2025 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in North Parramatta, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

North Parramatta has seen around 32 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 163 homes. As of FY-26, 35 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline in recent years has been accompanied by adequate development activity relative to its size, which is positive for buyers. Developers focus on premium properties with an average construction cost value of $546,000.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $95.4 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, North Parramatta has lower building activity, at 64.0% below the regional average per person and under the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 31.0% standalone homes and 69.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The population density is low at around 310 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, North Parramatta is projected to add 3,812 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Future projections show North Parramatta adding 3,812 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

North Parramatta has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 48 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Riverside Theatres Redevelopment, Parramatta Live Precinct, Parramatta North Health and Innovation Precinct (Stage 1), and Parramatta North Urban Renewal Precinct.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market in North Parramatta demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

North Parramatta has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 4.8%.

As of December 2025, 8,019 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 76.4%, higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 50.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area showed strong specialization in public administration & safety (employment share 1.3 times the regional level), but lower representation in construction (6.6% vs regional average of 8.6%). Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8%, labour force grew by 4.8%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged at 3.8%. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment marginally increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Parramatta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, North Parramatta had a median income among taxpayers of $51,496. The average income stood at $63,619 in this suburb. This is below the national average. In Greater Sydney, these figures were $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Parramatta would be approximately $56,810 (median) and $70,184 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income in North Parramatta ranks at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly), while household income sits at the 47th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,208 residents). This pattern is similar to the broader area where 30.9% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Parramatta, with only 79.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

North Parramatta features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

North Parramatta's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 24.3% houses and 75.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Parramatta was at 17.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.5%) or rented (55.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,054, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $390, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, North Parramatta's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

North Parramatta features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.4% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 20.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

North Parramatta demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In North Parramatta, the educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above is notably higher than national and state averages. Specifically, 43.6% of residents possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This significant educational advantage places the area in a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.4% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 11.6% and certificates make up 14.8%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in North Parramatta shows that there are 90 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. A total of 59 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 8,683 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 99 meters from the nearest transport stop. As North Parramatta is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport for commuting is the car at 68%, followed by train at 12% and bus at 10%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high percentage of residents, specifically 50.4%, work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency across all routes averages 1,240 trips per day, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual stop.

North Parramatta's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

North Parramatta's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are relatively low in the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to the national average.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of North Parramatta's total population (~6,624 people), slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.8 and 6.3% of residents respectively, with 73.4% reporting no medical ailments compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Under-65 residents have better than average health outcomes. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,919 people), presenting some health challenges among seniors that rank lower nationally than the broader population.

North Parramatta is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

North Parramatta has a high level of cultural diversity, with 49.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in North Parramatta, comprising 49.9% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 10.1% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.1%), English (14.1%), and Australian (13.9%). Lebanese, Korean, and Indian ethnicities are notably overrepresented in North Parramatta compared to regional averages.

North Parramatta's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in North Parramatta is 38 years, closely matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, North Parramatta has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 grew from 7.5% to 8.9%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 10.4% to 11.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 11.4% to 9.9%. By 2041, North Parramatta's age composition is projected to change significantly. Notably, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 103%, reaching 1,164 people from a previous count of 572.